Organisers of the Young Environment Protectors (YEP) high school art competition say that like many projects, their timing has been changed by the pandemic, but, they are forging ahead.
Holley Somerville-Knott is the Patron of YEP, and says YEP is an awesome chance to do something about the climate crisis, with the creative arts.
‘It’s an amazing thing to do something with your passions, and doing what you love to do. I got involved with YEP because I believe in supporting any initiative that supports our environment.
‘We are the future generations and we are going to inherit this planet someday.
‘And we don’t want to inherit a sick and dying planet after the adults have finished having a party on it’.
Veteran actor Tony Barry, who is the founder and facilitator of YEP, says that for some time now, he has been listening to the concerns of young people about the environment that they’re going to inherit.
‘Three years ago, we put together an art competition – the Young Environmental Protectors Competition.
He says, ‘It is held throughout the high schools of the Northern Rivers, is to encourage young students to make their statements on their fears and concerns for the environment that they’re going to inherit’.
Prizes on offer
With great prizes, first, second and third place will all receive $1,000.
‘Every school that enters will receive a quality map of Australia displaying the 500 Clans and Nations of the original carers and protectors of Gondwanaland – the first three runners up will receive four environment documentaries courtesy of Andrew Pike of Ronin Films,’ said Tony.
Holley said she sees so many people of her age group who feel that they don’t matter, or they aren’t a part of anything.
‘With YEP you have a chance to do something that everyone will see that really matters; for your school, your environment, and your future.
‘You can make new connections and team up with other people to do this, as YEP is something everybody can be a part of, and every entrant has the opportunity to write to the Minister of the Environment expressing their concerns, with their submission. I really hope you decide to get involved. You won’t regret it.’
The deadline for entries has been extended until the end of October.
For more information, visit: www.yep.community.
